Functions, Part 1 of 2
Topics
Using Predefined Functions
Programmer-Defined Functions
Using Input Parameters
Function Header Comments
1
Review of Structured
Programming
Structured programming is a problem solving
strategy and a programming methodology that
includes the following guidelines:
The program uses only the sequence, selection,
and repetition control structures.
The flow of control in the program should be as
simple as possible.
The construction of a program embodies top-
down design.
2
Functions
When program control encounters a function
name, the function is called (invoked).
Program control passes to the function.
The function is executed.
Control is passed back to the place where
the function was called.
3
Functions
We have used several predefined functions so far:
alert()
prompt()
document.write()
toFixed()
parseInt()
parseFloat()
Programmers can write their own functions.
Typically, each module in a program’s design hierarchy
chart is implemented as a function.
4
Sample Function Call
alert is the name of a predefined
function in the JavaScript language
alert(“Hello World!”); this statement is
is known as a
function call
this is a string we are passing
as an argument (parameter) to
the alert function
5
Sample Programmer-Defined
Function
Function Example
6
Screenshot of Function
Example
7
Examining PrintMessage()
Function Example
Function
Function Call
8
The Function Call
Passes program control to the function
Must match the definition in name and number of
arguments
........
function PrintMessage()
{
alert(“A message for you:\n\nHave a nice day!”);
}
........ Same name and
no arguments
(nothing inside of
the parentheses)
9
The Function Definition
Control is passed to the function by the
function call. The statements within the
function body will then be executed.
function PrintMessage()
{
alert(“A message for you:\n\nHave a nice day!”);
}
After the statements in the function have
completed, control is passed back to the
place where the function was called.
10
General Function Definition Syntax
function FunctionName ( parameter1, . . . , parametern )
{
variable declaration(s)
statement(s)
}
If there are no parameters, there should be nothing
inside of the ()'s
function FunctionName()
{
...
}
There may be no variable declarations. 11
Using Input Parameters
Often it is the case that we would like to be
able to share information with the function.
It is possible to send input parameters into
the function.
We can pass information from the place
where the function is called.
The next slide illustrates sending a single
parameter into a function.
12
Function Parameter Example
13
Good Programming Practice
You should include a function header comment
before the definition of each function.
This is a good practice and is required by the 104
Coding Standards.
Your header comments should be neatly formatted
and contain the following information:
function name
function description (what it does)
a list of any input parameters and their meanings
a list of any output parameters and their meanings
a description of any special conditions
14
Example of a Function Header
Comment
/***************************************************************
** PrintMessage - prints a message a specified number of times
** Inputs: counter - the number of times the message will be
** printed
** Outputs: None
***************************************************************/
function PrintMessage(counter)
{
var i;
for(i = 1; i <= counter; i++)
{
alert(“Have a nice day!”);
}
}
15